Rolex Oyster Collection

Rolex is pleased to present a wide selection of new watches in its OYSTER collection. These new timepieces illustrate three key Rolex themes: innovation, evolution and creativity, with prestigious models enhanced by elegant gem settings and new jewelled dials.

 

INNOVATION

A prime example of Rolex watchmaking expertise, the Oyster Perpetual SKY-DWELLER is an entirely new watch combining practical functions, ease of use and the timeless elegance of classic Rolex lines. Designed with global travellers in mind, its dual time zone display is intuitive to read and easy to operate. Equipped with an annual calendar that automatically adjusts the date at the end of months with 30 and 31 days – thanks to a patented design that ensures outstanding reliability for this type of function – as well as a particularly practical interface for setting the watch: the patented rotatable RING COMMAND bezel.

A distillation of Rolex innovation, the SKY-DWELLER incorporates no fewer than 14 patents, five of which are brand new. It is equipped with the new calibre 9001, a mechanical selfwinding movement developed and manufactured by Rolex, certified as a chronometer, with a 72-hour power reserve. Available in 18 ct yellow, white or EVEROSE gold, in a 42 mm case, the SKY-DWELLER is an embodiment of the precision, reliability and prestige of Rolex watches.

EVOLUTION

Archetype of the diver’s watch, the Oyster Perpetual SUBMARINER is now equipped with a black ceramic CERACHROM bezel insert, a dial with large CHROMALIGHT hour markers and hands for exceptional legibility in the dark, and a subtly redesigned 40 mm case in particularly corrosion-resistant 904L stainless steel. It is fitted with a new solid-link OYSTER bracelet in 904L steel with a new-generation OYSTERLOCK safety clasp which is effortless to use and prevents accidental opening.

This clasp includes the GLIDELOCK extension system, allowing adjustment of the bracelet length for comfortable wear over a diving suit. Its calibre 3130, a self-winding mechanical movement certified as a chronometer, is now equipped with a paramagnetic blue PARACHROM hairspring developed and manufactured by Rolex in an exclusive alloy. This updated SUBMARINER is firmly in the lineage of the historical model launched in 1953, and raises the bar for robustness, legibility and reliability, thus reinforcing its status as a legendary watch with a timeless personality.

The new 40 mm version of the Oyster Perpetual YACHT-MASTER in ROLESIUM, a combination of steel and platinum, also benefits from the latest Rolex innovations in terms of the ergonomics, comfort and reliability of the bracelet, clasp and bezel. Its emblematic bidirectional rotatable graduated bezel in 950 platinum with raised numerals has been entirely rethought to include a new, even more robust rotation system.

The CHROMALIGHT display, an exclusive Rolex feature, ensures long-lasting luminescence for exceptional legibility in the dark. This new YACHT-MASTER features a case in 904L stainless steel on an OYSTER bracelet with a newgeneration OYSTERLOCK safety clasp. The elegant solid-link bracelet offers much-appreciated comfort and ease of use. It also includes the EASYLINK rapid extension link, an ingenious system that conveniently allows the wearer to lengthen the bracelet by about 5 mm for added comfort in any circumstance.

The ideal watch for sailing enthusiasts, this new YACHT-MASTER sports a navy blue dial. An evolution of one of the greatest contemporary watch classics, the Oyster Perpetual DATEJUST II is available for the first time in an all-steel version with a smooth bezel. This new model joins the range of DATEJUST II watches, introduced in 2009 in ROLESOR with a fluted 18 ct gold bezel. With its 41 mm case, the DATEJUST II is a larger interpretation of the Oyster.

Perpetual DATEJUST, the emblematic Rolex model with date magnified by a CYCLOPS lens on the crystal. This new version in 904L stainless steel with powerful dynamic lines impresses with its allure and technical qualities. It is fitted with an OYSTER bracelet with the EASYLINK rapid extension link and a new silver colour dial with large luminescent hour markers.

CREATIVITY

This jewelled version of the Oyster Perpetual COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA in 18 ct yellow or white gold is resplendent with a bezel entirely set with an array of sapphires in rainbow colours. The lugs and crown guard of the case are set with sparkling diamonds. The black lacquer dial is adorned with diamond-set hour markers and GOLD CRYSTALS gold counters whose particular reflections are achieved by an exclusive process.

A sublime feminine variation, a new jewelled interpretation of the 36 mm Oyster Perpetual DATEJUST in 18ct EVEROSE gold bears a black lacquer dial with a contemporary motif set with 262 diamonds, providing an entrancing contrast of light and shadow. Its bezel is set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and 120 brilliant-cut diamonds around the edge. The 18 ct EVEROSE gold, an exclusive alloy created by Rolex and cast in its own foundry, shines with a unique brilliance and is distinguished by an incomparable hue resulting from the addition of a touch of platinum, the noblest of precious metals.



Finally, an array of prestigious models enhanced with new gem-set dials showcases rubies and pays tribute to the beauty of diamonds and precious stones: hour markers with baguette cut rubies at 6 and 9 o’clock on the chocolate colour dial of the 36 mm Oyster Perpetual DAY-DATE model in 18 ct EVEROSE gold with a fluted bezel; or similar hour markers on the champagne colour dial of the 41 mm Oyster Perpetual DAY-DATE II in 18 ct yellow gold with a bezel entirely set with baguette-cut diamonds; and rubies again on delicately gem-set ladies’ models, like the 26 mm Oyster Perpetual LADY-DATEJUST in 18 ct yellow gold with a fluted bezel and a champagne colour dial on which a large VI at 6 o’clock shimmers with 11 rubies; or on the 31 mm Oyster Perpetual DATEJUST LADY 31 in 18 ct yellow gold whose champagne colour dial, surrounded by a bezel beautifully set with 48 brilliant-cut diamonds, bears a large 6 and 9, each set with 16 rubies.

Innovation, evolution, creativity: each of the new models in the Oyster collection presented at BASELWORLD 2012 is, in its own way, an exemplary product of an integrated and independent watchmaker that draws on uncompromising values and unequalled means to tirelessly perpetuate its passion for perfection.

About Rolex

Leading brand of the Swiss watch industry, Rolex, headquartered in Geneva, enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and expertise the world over. Its OYSTER watches, all certified as chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence, performance and prestige. Pioneer in the development of the wristwatch as early as 1905, the brand is at the origin of numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the OYSTER, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the PERPETUAL rotor self-winding mechanism introduced in 1931.

Rolex has registered over 400 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house all the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Rolex is also actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, the spirit of enterprise, and the environment through a broad palette of sponsoring activities as well as philanthropic and patronage programmes. Read more at Rolex and view stores both local and worlwide 

Patek Philippe - Ladies First Perpetual Calendar

 Because women love the notion of forever

Patek Philippe released their first Ladies Perpetual Calender Ref. 7140, at Baselworld 2012. Enriching the manufacturers collection of ladies' watches with an attractive newcomer that joins what is probably the world's most comprehensive portfolio of regularly produced complicated watches for women.

This exquisite timepiece is a grand complication that qualifies as an incarnation of eternity with its functionality, lasting value, and reliability across generations, timelessly elegant design, and enduring array of diamonds. It is an uplifting feeling to be able to think about one's great and great-great grandchildren when purchasing a Ref. 7140 Ladies First Perpetual Calendar.

The growing affinity of women with mechanical watches and complicated functions is among the particularly delightful trends in the domain of horology. Featuring an ultrathin split-seconds chronograph and an equally graceful minute repeater launched in very feminine versions. The complications ateliers spared no effort to endow this complicated timepiece with an irresistibly feminine personality.

The objective was accomplished with panache, as evidenced by a glance at the new Ref. 7140 Ladies First Perpetual Calendar. All of the elements of this elegant timepiece reflect feminine poise, from the classic round Calatrava case in 18K rose gold and the gracefully curved lugs to the shimmering creamy white dial, the interchangeable mink gray and royal purple alligator straps, the lovely bezel, and the clasp set with precious diamonds that deserve to be called a girl's best friend.

Despite its compact size, it presents its eight indications – hours, minutes, date, day of the week, month, leap-year cycle, 24-hour subdial, and moon phases – in a very clearly organized and easily legible configuration. This is due not least to the subtle contrast between the white opalescent dial and the hands, the applied Breguet numerals, the minute-marker pearls in 18K rose gold, and the discreetly elegant yet crisply readable calendar indications.

The 68 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds totalling approx. 0.68 ct. embrace the perpetual calendar dial, framing it like a precious treasure with sparkling intensity. But these readily visible assets not only underscore the beauty of this exceptional timepiece, they also bring its inner values to the fore. The watch comes with a solid-gold case back and an exchangeable sapphire-crystal display back that allows its owner to admire the magnificently designed and artistically decorated mechanical caliber.

This extraordinary timepiece designed for eternity is worn on a hand-stitched alligator strap with a prong buckle in 18K rose gold that is adorned with a further complement of 27 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds totalling about 0.20 ct. A snap back in 18K rose gold and interchangeable sapphire-crystal display back that is water-resistant to 30 meters.

It includes Travel Time models for two time zones, the World Time watch with 24 time zones, the famous Annual Calendar, grand complications such as minute repeaters and split-seconds chronographs as well as classic column-wheel chronographs Ladies First Chronograph, and now, finally, the first perpetual calendar for ladies.

In Southern Africa, Patek Philippe watches are exclusively sold through The Watch and Jewellery Gallery located at Shop 33, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg. For more information please contact the store on 011-784-259.

Patek Phillipe - Sparkling Swiss Timekeeping

The Grand Complications 5073P-00 by Patek Philippe

The new Grand Complications 5073P-001 is a Patek Philippe debut that benchmarks a significant trend in haute horlogerie. Connoisseurs are left speechless: not only due to its breathtaking sound quality, but also given the 103 baguette diamonds on its bezel and 55 further diamonds on the dial and clasp.

Ranking among the few manufactures that consummately master the orchestration of "cathedral" gongs, extra-long gongs which produce an inimitably voluminous and reverberant sound. 

Perpetual calendar and winding: totally automatic

To assure continuity in the displays of the perpetual calendar and moon phases, the movement is self-winding and completely automatic thanks to an off-center minirotor made of 22K gold; it is fully recessed in the plate.  Given all the repeater wristwatches produced by Patek Philippe since 1916, the manufacture's micromechanical virtuosity does not need to be further expounded.

True artistry shuns no effort

To adequately showcase the micromechanical brilliance of the Grand Complications 5073P-001, Patek Philippe also pulled out all the stops with respect to the case and exterior elements. With a diameter of 42 mm, the heavy case is fashioned on premises with the traditional cold-forming method from blanks made of 950 platinum, the precious metal that is most difficult to machine.


Then, the manufacture's master jewelers rely on their artistry to transform it into a breathtaking magnum opus for the wrist. 103 flawless Top Wesselton baguette diamonds totaling approx. 4.33 ct. adorn the bezel and the case lugs.

On the black lacquered solid-gold dial, 13 set baguette diamonds (approx. 0.25 ct.) serve as hour markers. And 42 further baguette diamonds (approx. 0.69 ct.) convert even the platinum clasp into a masterpiece of gemsetting prowess. 


As always at Patek Philippe, a discreet 0.02-ct. diamond between the lugs at 6 o'clock identifies platinum as the case metal. The sparkling fire of precious stones legitimately raises the question whether the adornment of a watch at this level should not count as a complication as well.

The watch is delivered with a solid platinum case back and an interchangeable display back with a sapphire-crystal window that reveals the meticulous finissage of the movement. Highlights that immediately meet the eye are the lavishly guilloched 22K gold winding rotor and, beneath the goldplated cap with the pierced Calatrava cross, the small centrifugal governor that controls the disciplined rhythm of the striking mechanism.

While the focus among women is shifting from the outward appearance of precious wristwatches to a greater appreciation of what is inside them, men with a penchant for complicated calibers are also beginning to attach greater importance to elements that adorn their micromechanical masterpieces. The directives of the Patek Philippe Seal explicitly specify that the art of haute horlogerie merits only the ultimate in gemsetting expertise. The Grand Complications 5073P-001 is a fine case in point

In Southern Africa, Patek Philippe watches are exclusively sold through The Watch and Jewellery Gallery located at Shop 33, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg. For more information please contact the store on 011-7842587 or visit www.patek.com.